FROM its humble beginnings, Clackmannanshire Citizens Advice Bureau has been providing services to Wee County residents for half a century.

The dedicate team has been weathering the whims of third sector funding since February 1967, starting off with just one interview room under 6 Marshill.

Just last year, the staff, more than 70 per cent of whom are volunteers, assisted 4,816 people over 14,284 visits to resolve 13,669 cases around debt, employment, relationships, benefits, health, immigration as well as goods and services.

It is estimated that through intervention, by maximising clients' income and by reducing debt, £1million was put back into the local economy.

The CAB moved to its former Drysdale Street offices in 1999, which offered a number of rooms both for interviews and administrative work in order to serve more clients.

Demand continued to increase and at the end of last year, the organisation moved to the Glebe Hall on Burgh Mews, Alloa, sharing the premises with Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface and its Connect Centre.

It is located behind the Jobcentre Plus and is accessible through the lane next to the building.

Jonny Miller, managing director, said: "In December we moved into brand new premises that will allow us to continue providing an excellent service for the next 50 plus years."

To mark the upcoming milestone, the team will be holding an open day at their new base on Wednesday, January 24, between 4pm and 6pm.

Mr Miller added: "Drop in to take a peek, enjoy refreshments, find out about our work, our flexible, rewarding volunteering opportunities and be part of our next chapter!"

The CAB wanted to thank its dedicated volunteers and is appealing for more people to join.

Those who are looking to put their skills to good use for the community, and would like to meet new people in the process, can become volunteer advisers and even improve their own job prospects.

Free training starts on Monday, February 19, for more information and to register contact Séverine, volunteer development officer, on 01259 219 404.